Honeydew Margarita Mocktail Recipe
Photo by Jessica Furniss
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I crave margaritas on the reg. There’s just something about that sweet and sour mix that satisfies all my cravings and this margarita mocktail recipe hits the spot every time. Non alcoholic cocktails are growing in popularity and we’ve seen the classic mocktail version that’s focused on fresh fruit juices, unique variations like this spicy margarita mocktail, and versions that include a non-alcoholic tequila alternative. And honestly, I love them all!
This drink is kind of a mixture of all three with fresh citrus juice, frozen melon, and the addition of a zero proof tequila alternative from Lyre’s. Frozen honeydew melon and fresh squeezed lime juice are the stars of this fresh fruit drink and the addition of agave nectar or simple syrup make for well balanced sip.
Photo by Jessica Furniss
What’s a Non Alcoholic Substitute for Tequila in a Margarita?
Thanks to the growing popularity of non-alcoholic cocktails lots of options for tequila alternatives are on the market. I chose Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit for this mocktail because of its complex flavors. “It’s rich and full of character with expressions of citrus, roasted agave and peppery spice dance around the mouth.” I find the Lyre’s brings that authentic margarita flavor that a lot of mocktails are lacking.
What's in a Mocktail Margarita?
The classic margarita is made with tequila, orange liqueur, fresh squeezed lime juice, agave nectar or simple syrup, and an optional salt rim or sugar rim on the glass. When I make a mocktail version I like to stick to these ingredients too. Usually doing 2 oz of non-alcoholic tequila alternative, 1/2 oz of non-alcoholic orange liqueur, 1 oz of agave nectar, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and a salted rim. When I use frozen fruits, however, I usually skip the orange liqueur to let the complexity of the fruits shine.
How to make margarita mocktail
I make my margarita mocktails in my high powered blender. A lot of frozen margarita recipes call for ice to be added, but I prefer to freeze my fruit instead. But, in a pinch if you haven’t had time to freeze your fruit, you can add ice to the blender. Just know it will be a bit more watery. To my high powered blender I add the frozen honeydew melon, the Lyre’s Agave Blanco, the fresh squeezed lime juice, and the sweetner. I blend on low just until it all comes together and has a texture similar to slushy. I like my margaritas to be a little on the thicker side, so if you like yours a little thinner, just blend it for a few more seconds.
What food to serve with margarita mocktails
Taco night is a favorite weekly even at our house. Sometimes we get fancy with it and make specialty fillings like shrimp or grilled chicken, but other times I go really simple and grab those taco kits from the grocery store. But, any type of southwest food pairs great with this honeydew frozen margarita mocktail. It’s sweet and tart so rich, spicy flavors complement it well.
Variations
Swapping out the melon in this recipe for different one like cantaloupe, watermelon, or the lesser known varieties like sugar kiss melon works great in this margarita mocktail recipe. Simply dice the fruit up small and lay it on a parchment lined baking sheet and place it in the freezer for a few hours.
Photo by Jessica Furniss
Tips for making frozen margarita mocktails
How to freeze honeydew melon
Simply dice the fruit up small and lay it on a parchment lined baking sheet and place it in the freezer for a few hours. Once it’s frozen you can pluck it from the parchment and place it into a freezer safe zip top bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
I don’t have a tequila alternative, can I still make this drink?
Yes! You can substitute sparkling water like La Croix in place of the non-alcoholic tequila. You might need to adjust the other ingredients, so just taste as you go.
Can you make a frozen margarita without a blender?
I’ve seen folks freeze juice pouches or use crushed ice to give their margarita mocktail that “frozen” feel, but in my opinion, a blender really is the best way to get the right texture for a frozen drink.
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Find my mocktail recipes in my e-book Hydrating Mocktails: 31 drink recipes to leave you hydrated instead of hungover.
All photos & recipes Ⓒ Jessica Furniss
Honeydo Margarita Frozen Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1 cup of frozen cubed honeydo melon
- 1.5-2 oz non-alcoholic tequila alternative like Ish
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1 oz agave syrup or 3/4 oz simple syrup
- Mint leaf for garnish
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients except the mint leaf in a high powered blender until just combined. Do not overblend or the drink will become too watery.
- Garnish with a mint leaf and enjoy!
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